Purchases Made at Procurement Committee’s Behest: Ex-TTD

Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Former executive officer A.V. Dharma Reddy appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for the second consecutive day in connection with the adulterated ghee supply case linked to the preparation of Tirumala laddu prasadam.

Dharma Reddy, who served as TTD EO during the previous YSRC government, was questioned for nearly eight hours on Wednesday at the SIT’s temporary office in Bhudevi Complex, Tirupati. The interrogation was led by DIG Murali Ramba, who, along with a team of officers, is investigating large-scale irregularities that came to light following reports of adulterated ghee being supplied for the temple’s sacred laddu prasadam.

Sources said SIT officials questioned Dharma Reddy in detail about the procurement procedures, particularly the role of Bhole Baba Dairy, which allegedly supplied adulterated ghee. During questioning, he reportedly stated that the purchases were made based on the recommendations of the TTD’s Procurement Committee, constituted by the Trust Board.

The SIT is also examining whether proper quality testing and verification were carried out before accepting the ghee supplied to TTD. It has already questioned Bhole Baba Dairy directors Pomil Jain and Vipin Jain, who were earlier arrested and later released on bail. Investigators are probing whether TTD officials knowingly accepted synthetic ghee or if the lapses occurred due to negligence.

Meanwhile, the state-appointed SIT is continuing its inquiry into the Parakamani theft case in Tirumala. The investigation, led by CID Director General Ravi Shankar Ayyannar, saw former Circle Inspector Jaganmohan Reddy appear for a second round of questioning. He was serving at the Tirumala One Town Police Station when the theft occurred. Several TTD officials were also summoned for questioning in connection with the case.